Popcorn Underground debuted at Fringe 2024 this weekend in the exquisite, antique mirrored, European travelling Spiegeltent. The literal steamed mirrors in the venue highlighted just how hot and steamy the incredible line-up of talent was in this extraordinary mix of cabaret, circus, comedy and strip tease. Host, Gingzilla, kicked off the performance in a to-die-for pink tutu ensemble, accessorised by thigh-high sparkly boots and enormous ginger beehive. Already tall, the platform boots made Gingzilla appear a seven-foot plus drag Barbie reminiscent of those drag queens featured in the Emily in Paris Versailles fashion show. An acclaimed cabaret performer and actor, Gingzilla banged out numerous hits whilst providing the glue that held the eclectic cast of Popcorn Underground together for this delightfully decadent demonstration of debauched fun. Acts included comedy and impressive parasol foot juggling from inside the world’s largest cocktail glass. This sad clown invoked the likes of Liza Minnelli in her exaggerated facial expressions and mime. A beautiful birthday girl treated herself to a meal of razor blades, which was both fascinating and horrifying in equal measures. Ashleigh Roper showcased her bendy body that appeared boneless as she contorted through unnatural poses all while hula hooping. Later in the show, she wowed with her aerial flying skills, coupled with in-the-air contortion. Hers are skills that must be seen to be believed. From the Ukraine, Oleg Tatarynov got the crowd (literally) all wet with his sexy, aerial acrobatics coupled with an onstage bath. Those in the front row were given umbrellas but if you want to stay completely dry, do not sit close to the stage. And Germany’s roller skating couple, Sven and Jen, were unimaginably talented with speed spinning, upside down spinning and moves that defy description. It’s a small stage and if you’re easily spooked, again don’t sit near the front! Other acts in the night provided light comic relief from the otherwise intense circus skill stuff. Through impressive mime and creative use of a coat and hat, one girl was both people on a romantic date. Bubble girl was zany and fun and the act featuring the disappearing red hanky during a strip tease was silly, sexy and stupefying, leaving the audience stumped as to how she did it. Be warned that there’s lots of bare boobs and bums, including full nudity from a few exhibitionist performers. The perfect mix of thrilling acts, slapstick, comedy and cabaret singing, Popcorn Underground truly captures the Fringe spirit where anything goes and everyone has loads of fun. Without wanting to ruin the spectacle that is the perfect finale to this show, let’s just say it’s hot, buttery and goes off with a pop! This show is sexy, silly and sensational stuff that is strictly for adults!